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Plea Deals, Continuances Heard in Tyler County Circuit Court

By Shelley Hanson - Staff Writer | Sep 11, 2024

MIDDLEBOURNE – Tyler County Circuit Court Judge Richard Wilson presided over several hearings related to drugs, theft and other cases on Aug. 30 in Middlebourne.

Michael Jacob Long pleaded guilty to domestic battery. Wilson said a pre-sentence investigation and report was needed before sentencing could occur. Wetzel County Assistant Prosecutor Justin Craft said during an altercation Long twisted his girlfriend’s arm behind her back, breaking it. The woman needed surgery to repair the bone.

Long’s attorney is Jeremiah Gardner.

Andrew W. Johnson’s trial date was set for 9 a.m. Sept. 11. Tyler County Prosecutor Luke Furbee asked that one witness be permitted to testify remotely.

Alexis Garcia did not appear in court for her hearing. A capias warrant was to be issued for her arrest.

Melissa Dawn Cork, 50, of West Union, W.Va., pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and DUI for meth and marijuana. Wilson said an abbreviated presentence investigation and report was needed before sentencing could occur.

Furbee said on Oct. 27, Cork was stopped at a sobriety checkpoint. After offices smelled marijuana odors coming from the vehicle they conducted a field sobriety test. Her vehicle was searched and officers found a bag of meth, a weight scale, bags and $2,000 in cash. They also found marijuana roaches and grinders. Cork admitted to consuming marijuana 10 minutes before the stop. A toxicology report showed meth and THC in her blood sample. Her cell showed conversations that appeared to be related to drug trafficking.

Cork’s attorney is Jeremiah Gardner.

Shawn David Cross, 31, pleaded guilty to felony fourth degree arson. Tyler County Assistant Prosecutor Kyle Elliot said on Feb. 27 during a domestic dispute Cross spilled kerosene all over a home on Red Fox Lane and then threatened to set it on fire. A lighter was found on him. Deputies who responded to the scene could see the spilled kerosene on the floor throughout the house and smell it, too. An abbreviated presentence investigation was ordered by Wilson. Cross’ attorney is Jeremiah Gardner.

Jesse Williamson, 33, pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property. Sentencing will take place at a later date. Furbee is prosecuting the case. Shane Mallett is Williamson’s attorney.

Michael Shane Keller, 37, of Friendly pleaded guilty to wanton endangerment of a firearm. He was sentenced to pay a $500 fine. A second count was dismissed. Elliott said Keller was originally charged in March after Keller fired in the direction of coonhunters who may or may not have been on hunting on his property. He can no longer keep or own any firearm. Since the gun used was a family heirloom it will be given to his mother who does not live with Keller.

Alicia Sue Anderson’s trial date was set for 9 a.m. Sept. 23, but another hearing will be held at 9:15 a.m. Sept. 13. Anderson is accused of fraudulent use of an access device, aka debit card information. Furbee is prosecuting the case and Gardner is her attorney.

Sherry R. Metheny Camp pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault on a government representative, aka police officer, and trespassing. Furbee said on Dec. 31, 2022, Camp was at a well pad site and would not leave. When officers arrived she kicked one of them. She received credit for time served and must pay a $200 fine. Her attorney is Keith White.

Kevin Eugene Smith, 30, who is charged with transferring stolen property, waived his right to a trial until the next term of court in October. A hearing is set for Oct. 22 at 9:15 a.m. His attorney is Scott Brown. Furbee is prosecuting the case.

Robert Allen Paul Brown Jr., who is charged with conspiracy to transport methamphetamine and fentanyl, waived his right to a speedy trial this term until the next term of court. His hearing was continued to Oct. 22 at 9:45 a.m.

Vincent Matthew Kochanowski, 36, pleaded guilty to felony transferring stolen property. An abbreviated presentence investigation and report was ordered by Wilson. The prosecutor is Furbee and Gardner is his attorney. Kochanowski admitted to helping move tools that he knew had been stolen.

Geremy Wayne Lauderman, 48, of Paden City waived his right to a speedy trial until the term of court. A hearing is set for 1:45 p.m. Oct. 22. His attorney is Jeremiah Gardner. Prosecuting the case is Tyler County Assistant Prosecutor Rachel Lederberger. He is charged with felony driving while license is revoked for DUI, third or subsequent offense.